GayAmerican.org

I'm not sure why the Mayday organizers chose Oct. 15, but an antigay event is planned for National Coming Out Day.

Warren Throckmorton is launching a campaign for his ex-gay video, "I Do Exist." Actually, according to idoexist.net, the video was released in June, but he's relaunching it to thwart NCOD's message of tolerance, especially in the schools.

I haven't noticed gay groups actively market NCOD in years. I see that HRC has a web page for it, but is the day really being actively marketed, or are we hearing more about it these days from the religious right than from equal rights activists?

Honestly, I think LGBT organizations are burying the issue out of concern for such a close presidential election.

I believe they are wrong in their approach.

National Coming out of the Closet Day? Do we get time off work for that? That is just the most ridiculous excuse for a holiday I've ever heard.
And as far as Kerry flip-flopping about gay marriage issues, don't take it so hard, he flip-flops on every issue. He is not your ally. He is the quintessential politician. He'll say whatever it takes to get into office, even if it's not altogether true. Gov.

"Sen. Kerry, do you support gay marriage?

"Uh, yes I do. Well..... Sort of. I be-..... I think the issue here is about..... The thing about gay marriage is...... Not support it persay. I jus-........ I support whatever Dan Rather supports. My opponent would have you believe.... I'm mean..... My vice President and myself, have on numerous occasions had se-... I mean, he and I...... We...... Uhhhhhh. No comment."

Andrew, No holiday yet, but what a great day for Gay Americans who receive so little support to be who they are -- well, just look at your opinion on the issue.

As for Kerry (the flip-flopping label is tired), he sure is not the ally of Gay Americans on marriage equality and I am not personally happy with his push against it, but he's no George Bush when it comes to dealing with our civil rights.

Bush was Texas' governor when a Gay American couple were arrested out of their own home, from their own bed, and charged with sodomy (Lawrence v. Texas)

I'll take my chances with Kerry.

Hey, Kerry's "flip-flopping" is better than Bush's "Well, we're talking to some people who are saying the indicators are indicating that there might be indications at some point in the future of what's going to happen, and I support those indicatators. Oh, and **** them faggots!"

(Not sure if I'm allowed to say the F-word here. :P)

You can say whatever the fuck you want!

Come on guys..... National Coming out of the Closet Day???? Here's the thing, you say that homoexuality is completely beyond your control becasue it's genetic or whatever.... So, what is there to be proud about? I can't claim that I'm proud of being white or a heterosexual because I had no control over that. How about, "National Gay Freedom Day". I could at least see that. I mean seriously, do you understand what I mean?
Veterans Day honors the men and women who willfully chose to fought for the librties of the country not just whine behind a t.v. Mother/Fathers Day honors the toughest job there is which they willfully chose to do. Do see where I'm going with this? You may feel that it's a step towards staright america understanding you. I'd say 65% agrees with you. You can't make everyone happy. But I'm talking about the basice premise behind the day is ridiculous. How about a "National hot dog eating day?" Or a "National born with red hair day?" It just seems a little silly to me.
So this is a day in where they bear their soul without the fear of reprisal. I understand the premise behind it, but a national holiday? That's all I'm saying.

Andrew,

I'm not that much for it, either. I think the point is more for support, all that mushy "we've got your back if your family disowns you" stuff than getting off work. Though I'm not sure anyone would complain. :P

I'm with you on the pride thing, though. I feel the same way about Asian pride or black pride--pride is an emotion that should be reserved for an ACCOMPLISHMENT, not something you were born with. Pride in culture is one thing, but pride in being born a homosexual is quite another. My life doesn't revolve around my sexuality. Honestly, most of the time I forget that I'm "different" (which has gotten me in trouble...oops).

July is National Hot Dog Month; and as a redhead I have to say we've tried -- unsuccessfully -- to get a National Redhead day off the ground, but we're definitely out and proud, and even get a little recognition for who we are as RedHeads.

The point is, Andrew, who cares really? Some might not think it's all that important, but others -- myself included -- count 'National Coming Out Day' and other events as extremely beneficial to our self-acceptance, and pride for who we are.

And how can we not need such outpourings of goodwill? Look at how Gay Americans are battered by politicians and beat upon by some religions. (The Pope alluded to us as a virus, and our marriages a reinforcement of sinful behavior.)

Not every one in our community needs this. It is even less necessary today than it was 20 years ago, I think in part because such events helped us all to be more out, to live our lives as if being a gay man or lesbian was no different than being anybody else.

But again, who cares? Call it ridiculous, call it wonderful. If they can have National Hot Dog month, then we can have a day to support people's self-acceptance.

When you put it that way, Keith...

As far as redheads go, I totally believe you are above the rest of society. I always wanted to be a redhead.

"As far as redheads go, I totally believe..."

How about, honorary? :D

I guess if that's the best you can do, I'll have to accept.

[Links deleted by GayAmerican.org for subject matter. Editing of reader's comments is unusual, and always noted: Please do not link to underage or simliar content.]

I'm not not sure why these didn't hyperlink, but take a look at these anyway after reading this. LOL to Keith and James about hot dog month and monkey red dead day.
My only reason for mention of the above links is to show how small manipulation and loose termonlogy of 'love' can twist peoples thoughts. With enough support anything and everything can be accepted into the norm. Now, mind you, I'm not trying to offend you purposley, though I am aware that it is somewhat inevitable. Take it with a grain of salt and sift through to the deeper meaning of what I'm attempting to express. Pedophilia is on the rise and it's deluded adherents are pushing for legislature, pretending it's about love when in reality it's about sex with children.......... Period. Have a look see and let me know what you think. I'm fairly certain that neither of you two are pedophiles, so please don't get that impression. I'm just attempting to show how anything can be manipulated and people start to believe the lie.

Andrew, I think you crossed the line from "friendly debate" into weird, gross, and illegal. I've heard the (bad) point before, but never has someone tried to present me with underage porn. That's crossing the line and I think I'm finished.

-jd

(For the record, I date up.)

Crossed the line? With what exactly? Yes, it is gross, weird, and illegal... that's why I posted it. It's disgusting. And it just supports everything i've been saying about the subject. I have two small children and the thought of anyone hurting them in any way frightens me. I was molested as a child myself.
I'm not sure why me abhoring pedophilia bothers you. If I liked it, wouldn't that bother you more?
But if you feel offended, even though none of it was directed to you or anyone else in here, then I suspect I won't be able to get my views across. I think I've been extremely respectful to everyon in here. I thought we had a good dialogue going.
My apologies for offending you. As I explained in my earlier post, it was not my intention. But I think you gave me the cue to end our conversations. Best of luck to you all in the near future. May the Lord richly bless and keep you. Take care.